Scone Cold Dead

by: Kaitlyn Dunnett

Published by: Kensington Books (July 29 release)

Reviewed by Knevits Stephens

Liss MacCrimmon was a professional Scottish dancer. She sustained a knee injury that made her take early retirement. She returned to her hometown of Moosetookalook, Maine. Her old classmate Dan lives there. They are starting to see one another but Liss still misses dancing and being on the road after her seven months at home. She is the co-owner with her aunt of a Scottish emporium and also teaches dance to a few children on the side.

Liss contacts the Strathsprey the dance group and has it come to Maine to perform. She is all excited and even decides to throw a little party after the show. Liss comes up with her own recipe for cocktail scones to serve at the gathering.

After the show, while at the gathering, Liss hears from others all the financial troubles the company is having and the problem with Victor, the manager. Next thing she knows, Victor drops dead with a half-eaten scone in his hand.

Liss has already solved one murder before so when a detective knocks on her door and asks her to help out, Liss does not hesitate to say yes. Liss is going around asking questions of all the members of Strathsprey, trying to get answers and find out who did it. But now she has to piece it all together, She’s finding out how Victor really acted towards people, plus love affairs are coming out, drinking habits and maybe embezzlement.

Liss is working as quickly as she can trying to figure it out. The company needs to get back on the road as fast as possible to save them from financial ruin. Liss had once thought she had wanted to be at least a part in the company, even though she can’t dance anymore–but now she is not so sure.

I really liked the characters, and it was a change to read about a dance group for once. As the secrets start to come out, it gets even more interesting. A very good mystery written by an author I will definitely be looking for more of.

Armchair Interviews says: Nice cozy mystery set in Maine.

Author’s Web site: http://www.KaitlynDunnett.com